In St. Louis, Emmis Expands KFTK’s Footprint

Emmis Communications is highlighting a new three-signal simulcast for its right-leaning talker in St. Louis.

“KFTK(FM) will make St. Louis radio history by adding two new frequencies to expand the coverage of their main 97.1 dial position,” it stated in an announcement. “The additions will increase the reach of KFTK(FM) to the extended St. Louis metropolitan region.”

The announcement was made by Senior VP & Market Manager John Beck and Program Director Jeff Allen. They’re adding one FM and one AM outlet to their footprint.

Content from FM NewsTalk 97.1 will now also be heard around the clock via a translator at 98.7 MHz and AM station 1490 kHz.

Emmis has a local management agreement with Entertainment Media Trust for 1490 WQQX(AM) in East St. Louis, Ill., which until recently was airing sports. Emmis also recently purchased a translator from Cornerstone Media in Atlanta, Ill., and moved it to St. Louis and is now simulcasting KFTK programming on both.

Allen said FM NewsTalk 97.1 has “for years” heard requests to expand the reach of its signal. “This move does that. You will now be able to hear our programming from the far west edge of the metro, well into Illinois, down past south St. Louis and a strong signal downtown.” The station is also heard online and via apps including NextRadio.